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Hundreds of drivers are facing long delays today as the M25 in Essex remains closed.

The M25 in Essex is closed in both directions between J23 (A1) - J27 (M11) clockwise, and J27 (M11) - J25 (Cheshunt) anti clockwise due to an incident. Early estimation is that both carriageways are likely to remain closed throughout the morning.

Diversion routes are in place.

Clockwise: road users may exit the M25 at junction 23 and follow the A1 southbound. Then join the A406 North Circular Road towards the M11. Join the M11 northbound, to re-join the M25 at junction 27.

– Highways Agency

Google map showing congestion on and around the M25 Credit: Google Maps

Work began at 6am today to remove 27 toll booths on the southern end of the Dartford Crossing.

The booths on Britain's busiest motorway are being scrapped and replaced with an electronic payment system.

The changes at the Dartford Crossing on the M25 east of London are designed to improve traffic flow.

But the removal of the 27 toll booths at the southern end of the crossing will result in roadworks until March 2015.

And car drivers using the crossing will from today face a higher daily charge - with the fee, also payable by phone or post as well as online, going up from £2 to £2.50. Charges are also rising for goods vehicles.

It's hoped the changes will ease congestion Credit: PA

The Highways Agency is hoping for a minimum of congestion at the start of the new system.

An agency spokesman said: "We're starting at 6am on a Sunday when traffic will be comparatively light and there will be plenty of signs up to tell people about the new arrangement.

"Monday morning will be more of a test but we are trying to do everything we can to let people know about the changes."

Delays on the M25 are set to continue until this evening as three lanes remain closed anti-clockwise between Junctions 9 and 10 near Leatherhead.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible, due to the long delays. Passengers travelling to Gatwick Airport are being urged to allow extra time for their journey or take alternative routes.

The Highways Agency is still trying to repair an earlier road collapse and determine the cause of the defect.

The Highways Agency is running out of time in its efforts to complete a carriageway repair ahead of the Friday night rush. Three lanes have been closed all day on the anti-clockwise section near junction 9 at Leatherhead, after the road surface was damaged in heavy rain.

Queues are already tailing back to junction 12, and two more layers still need to be added to the road surface before it can be reopened, with time needed for each layer to dry before the next one can be started. Anyone who can avoid the area is being advised to find an alternative route.

The M25 in Surrey is likely to remain partly closed through the rush hour, as the Highways Agency struggles to finish a repair to the anti-clockwise carriageway near Leatherhead. Watch the video to see an aerial view of the area being fixed, plus a flyover of some of the traffic already tailing back. Local police are advising people to avoid the motorway if at all possible.